A teenage boy is wearing a skirt to school to protest being sent home after shorts were banned on one of the hottest days of the year.
Shane Richardson borrowed his sister’s clothing after staff at Moffat Academy in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, said the school dress code was either trousers or a skirt.
The 16-year-old was one of around 13 boys sent home by teachers for wearing shorts, the Daily Record reports.
Following the youngster’s protest, the local council has decided to review the school’s dress code and make changes.
Shane said: “There’s no air conditioning switched on in the classrooms just now because of Covid so it’s really hot.
“Like a few others, I was sent home for wearing shorts so I decided to start wearing my sister Lexi’s skirt.
“The teachers haven’t said anything to me about wearing a skirt and neither has the taxi driver who picks us up and takes us to school in the morning.”
Shane’s mum, Hayley, 34, described the rule as “ridiculous”.
She said: “As well as Shane and about 12 other boys, some girls have also been sent home for wearing shorts.
“It’s been sweltering outside so for them not to be able to wear smart shorts to school is ridiculous.
“They are just back at school after lockdown and it’s not long until it winds up on June 24 for the summer holidays, so it’s important for their education to be there.
“This weather has meant they are sitting in a hot classroom for hours and the air conditioning is switched off because of the Covid-19 regulations.”
She added: “Shane has been wearing a skirt to school. He got it from his sister Lexi, who is 12.
“There is now going to be a parents committee meeting to discuss this on a Zoom call.
“It takes place on June 16, but I am actually going to miss it because I work night shifts as a lorry driver.
“But the date is close to the school winding up and a lot of parents think it should be brought forward to get it sorted.”
A council spokesman said the current uniform policy at Moffat Academy has been in place for several years.
He added: “Feedback from young people, parents and carers to the school has indicated that it is time to review the policy and make changes.
“Whilst this engagement is ongoing, pupils have been reminded to adhere to the agreed policy which enables the school to maintain high standards and excellence before any changes are finalised.
“An update to the parent council following this engagement has already been scheduled for June 16.”